Putting muscle on a tb

[tashcat]

We have an ex-racer tb who is physically very fit, ridden about 6 days a week, including lunging and schooling sessions in addition to lots of walk and trot hill work on hacks, and regular canter work. He's working pretty consistently in an outline and learning to collect himself nicely, although he will resort to being flat and straight if given a chance

Despite this, he still looks a bit on the scrawny side muscle wise - he's lacking some topline and could do with more muscle in his back end. He's definitely not underweight.

He's fed high fibre cubes and a molasses free chaff - he goes bonkers on too much feed, so open to suggestions but please bare in mind he can be a bit of a mentalist!

Any tips?

 

[be positive]

Ours did well on grass, once it comes through it may make all the difference, adlib forage and linseed added to his grassnuts, it takes time to build up their topline so keep working him correctly and it will come on gradually.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Time. He is only 6! Keep doing what your doing and in a year or so you will have a lovely rounder horse. Tbs grow up long before they grow out and fill their frames!

 

[JillA]

Is he getting sufficient protein in his diet (read labels) - needed to build soft tissue. And hooves - how are his feet? Read labels for the % in whatever you feed, there generally isn't a great deal in high fibre feeds. You can supplement with amino acids, whey powder or other sources. https://forageplus.co.uk/five-reasons-understand-protein-healthy-horse/

 

[gunnergundog]

Despite this, he still looks a bit on the scrawny side muscle wise - he's lacking some topline and could do with more muscle in his back end. He's definitely not underweight.

If you are doing the hill work (walk is better than trot) and you are not seeing results I would suggest that you check that the horse is being ridden correctly - ie that it is pushing with its hind end and NOT being allowed to pull with its front end.

 

[tashcat]

Thank you all for your suggestions - will continue building him up with patience, and will look into protein JillA!

If you are doing the hill work (walk is better than trot) and you are not seeing results I would suggest that you check that the horse is being ridden correctly - ie that it is pushing with its hind end and NOT being allowed to pull with its front end.

Hill work is both, as aware that walk is better! He's very soft in the mouth and I do think he engages his back end nicely, but will make a conscious effort thank you gunnergundog!

 

[cundlegreen]

To a certain extent, it's genetics. Sprint bred TB's tend to have much better muscle tone, particularly on the backend. I've had several, and they all looked, and did very well on little food. The distance/late developing types are usually harder to bulk up. Whats the breeding?

 

[YogaNurse]

My TB also got heated by different feeds and lacked condition when I got him, the feed that worked for us was top spec calm and conditioning cubes and Alfa a oil chaff with a scoop of speedi beet. Once the grass comes you will notice a difference!